Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an important part of your baby's life. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are many types of cribs, all with varying sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment like the womb.

While a lot of parents want their children to remain in a crib for as long as they can, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can be taken away.

Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months or until they become too large. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They are also more compact which makes them a good cribs alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be loose or absent. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for death by suffocation.

You can purchase cribs with a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.

If you're willing to invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great crib option for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child is out of the old one.

Style

When choosing a crib, consider its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in one particular direction such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.

For ease of use, you can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. It's not recommended to use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or roll over in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.

The crib's mattress can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or become loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

Regardless of the design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, check the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.

If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small cot beds could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the head and footboard which can lead to trapping. Infants can also roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the wall or headboard.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.

If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's sleep. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with federal safety standards.

You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in larger beds. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit it will take less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.

You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.

A crib that converts to a full-size bed is a great option to extend the life of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in various styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.